Welcome to SACHIDA: Cultivating an Afrocentric Cannabis and Hemp Future

We are proud to introduce the South African Cannabis & Hemp Industry Development Association (SACHIDA) — a new, purpose-driven organisation founded to shape a fair, sustainable and truly Afrocentric cannabis and hemp industry in South Africa.

SACHIDA was born from a shared recognition that this emerging industry holds extraordinary potential: not only for economic growth, but also for honouring our Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), celebrating our cultural heritage, and empowering historically marginalised communities. We stand at a pivotal moment, and our mission is clear — to ensure that South Africa’s cannabis and hemp sector grows in a way that uplifts people, protects the planet, and builds lasting prosperity

At the heart of SACHIDA are eight founding pillars that will guide our work:

• Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) — preserving and integrating ancestral wisdom into modern cultivation and product development.
• Agriculture — promoting regenerative farming and the conservation of South Africa’s unique landrace cultivars.
• Processing — unlocking value through innovative, high-quality products rooted in local biodiversity.
• Trade — positioning South Africa as a hub for globally distinctive, ethically produced cannabis and hemp products.
• Advocacy — advancing social justice, equity, harm reduction, and cultural preservation.
• Legal & Regulatory Reform — engaging government to craft inclusive legislation and accessible licensing regimes.
• Capacity Building — creating accredited training, mentorship and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Funding — connecting farmers and small enterprises with the capital they need to thrive.

SACHIDA is more than an industry association: it is a collective movement grounded in the spirit of ubuntu. We aim to unite farmers, entrepreneurs, traditional healers, researchers, civil society, and policymakers to co-create an industry that reflects our values of fairness, innovation, and sustainability. We believe that by working together, we can dismantle the barriers left by decades of prohibition and create real opportunities for those who have been excluded for too long.

There are many groups, associations, collectives and communities working hard, in South Africa and on our continent, towards a brighter cannabis and hemp future. We embrace everyone and firmly believe that we can mobilise together, benefitting from each other’s areas of expertise.

This is our call to action. We invite all who share our vision to join us as we cultivate resilience, celebrate diversity, and build an inclusive cannabis and hemp industry that serves the people and the planet. The time for change is now — and SACHIDA is ready to make an impact.